Dishwasher Dos And Don’ts: 11 Dishwasher Tips To Know

Given the amount of household chore drama that revolves around loading and unloading the dishwasher, the dishwasher dos and don’ts in this post could help settle many domestic disputes! These dishwasher tips are things I’ve learned throughout my long blogging career, from how to clean a dishwasher to what you shouldn’t put in the dishwasher.

A hand holding a dishwasher do's and don'ts guide in front of an open dishwasher full of dishes.

In addition to sharing these useful “dos and don’ts” in this post, I’ve also created printable and mobile-friendly guides you can download to keep these tips handy. (You’ll find the links to download those further down this post.)

Jillee’s Take:

After receiving several requests from readers for a dishwasher guide, I decided my best option was to focus on general tips and tricks that anyone could use. To find more specific guidance about your own dishwasher, I recommend referring to its user manual (or looking it up online, if you can’t find the paper copy!)
Dishwasher with the door open, loaded with dishes.

11 Dos And Don’ts Of Dishwashers

1. Don’t Add Extra Detergent

Too much detergent can leave a residue, so use no more than the recommended amount. (My homemade dishwasher detergent recipe is an effective and inexpensive option!)

2. Do Watch Out For Spray Arms

Before starting your dishwasher, rotate the spray arms to ensure they can spin freely and won’t get caught on larger dishes.

3. Don’t Bother To Pre-Rinse

Modern dishwashers are built to handle most cooked-on food. Additionally, dishwasher detergents work best when there’s a certain amount of food residue present on the dishes.

Loaded dishwasher racks

4. Do Put The Sturdiest And Dirtiest Items On The Bottom Rack

Plates, pots, and pans benefit from being positioned at the bottom of the dishwasher where the water is the hottest and most direct.

5. Do Look For The “Dishwasher Safe” Icon

There isn’t a standardized icon to indicate that dishes are dishwasher-safe, but many resemble an open dishwasher. (See the printable guide for an example.) If a dish bears a dishwasher-like icon with an X through it, you can safely assume it’s not dishwasher-safe.

6. Do Handwash These Items

You should always hand-wash large kitchen knives; dishes made of brass, bronze, or wood; china with gold leaf; and non-stick cookware and bakeware. When in doubt, hand-washing is always the safest option!

7. Don’t Overcrowd

Don’t crowd your dishes so closely that the water spray can’t get to them — otherwise, you may need to wash them all again!

A bowl of vinegar in the top rack of the dishwasher helps prevent spots from hard water in the dishwasher.

8. Do Put Plastics And Glassware On The Top Rack

The water spray is cooler and gentler on the top rack, so that’s where more delicate items should go. Check the dish or glass bottom to be sure.

9. Don’t Stack Items

While you might save a bit of space, the items underneath won’t get clean. You can lean items against each other, but don’t put dishes directly on top of each other.

10. Do Stagger Silverware

If your silverware faces the same way, the utensils can nest together and water won’t be able to get to them. To prevent this, load half of your utensils with the handle up and the rest with the handle down.

11. Don’t Spill Dry Detergent On Flatware

Dry detergent can react with metal and leave dark spots on your flatware.

dishwasher

Download The Printable Guide

Use the links below to download my dishwasher guide as a printable PDF, a mobile-friendly image file, or both!

“Do’s and Don’ts of Dishwashers” Printable Guide

Click the button below to download a printable PDF file of my “Do’s and Don’ts of Dishwashers” guide.

Dos and don'ts of using a dishwasher.

Download The PDF

“Do’s and Don’ts of Dishwashers” Mobile Guide

Download a mobile-friendly image file of my “Do’s and Don’ts of Dishwashers” guide.

Dishwasher do's and don'ts: A comprehensive guide.

Download The Mobile Guide

BONUS: 8 More Useful Dishwasher Tips

1. Clean Your Sponges

Wash your kitchen sponge or dish brush once a week in the utensil compartment of your dishwasher to kill bacteria and prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

A bottle of Dawn dish soap, a large container of white vinegar, and a small bottle of lemon essential oil are placed on the countertop, ready for your next Dawn Powerwash recipe.

2. “Pre-Treat” Heavily Soiled Dishes

A dish spray can “pre-treat” heavily soiled dishes to help ensure that your dishwasher gets them completely clean. You can make a DIY Dawn Powerwash spray by combining water, white vinegar, dish soap, and a couple of drops of lemon essential oil. Spray it onto grimy baking pans, wait for a few minutes, then lightly rinse the pan and load it into your dishwasher.

3. Check For Rinse Aid

Check to see if your dishwasher detergent formula includes rinse aids. If it does, you may not need to use rinse aid elsewhere in your dishwasher.

4. Clean The Spray Arms

If your dishes aren’t coming out as clean as you’d like, try using a toothpick to clean out the small holes along your dishwasher’s spray arms. This will help remove any gunk blocking the spray and ideally lead to cleaner dishes.

Dishwasher bottom rack loaded with pans and flatware.

5. Unload From The Bottom

When unloading your dishes, start with the bottom rack first. That way, any not-quite-dry dishes in the top rack won’t drip all over the dishes in the bottom rack.

6. Clean Your Dishwasher Regularly

Keeping your dishwasher clean is one of the best ways to keep it running efficiently. Regular cleaning will go a long way to prevent a clogged drain or a dirty filter. 

7. Put Detergent Pods In The Detergent Compartment

Regardless of what you’ve read or watched online, the best place to put dishwasher tabs is in your dishwasher’s detergent compartment. Most dishwasher wash cycles begin with a rinse, so if you put detergent pods or tabs in the bottom of the dishwasher, they may dissolve before the real cleaning begins.

Dishwasher rack with silk flowers, flip flops, and tools in it.

8. Clean More Than Dishes

From knickknacks to hairbrushes and tools, you might be surprised by all the things you can clean in your dishwasher

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Effectively Load My Dishwasher?

A couple of factors you should consider when loading your dishwasher are the location and spacing of the dishes. Large, sturdy items like dinner plates and cookware should go upside down in the bottom rack, while small or delicate items go in the top rack. Additionally, avoid overfilling your dishwasher, which can hinder its effectiveness.

Why Is It Important To Clean My Dishwasher Regularly?

Keeping your dishwasher clean eliminates greasy buildup detergent residue to keep the machine running smoothly. A clean dishwasher means clean dishes!

What Should I Do If I Notice A Clog In My Dishwasher?

If you notice your dishwasher isn’t draining properly, check the bottom of your dishwasher for debris. If you don’t find anything, your next step is to remove and examine the filter (see your dishwasher user manual for details). Grimy filters are often the source of drainage issues, but it’s nothing a bit of soap and warm water can’t fix!

Conclusion

Your dishwasher is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home, and taking care of it by using it correctly will ensure years of stellar service and sparkling dishes. Follow these dos and don’ts for dishwashers to keep yours in great condition!

What’s your best dishwasher tip?

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Jill Nystul (aka Jillee)

Jill Nystul is an accomplished writer and author who founded the blog One Good Thing by Jillee in 2011. With over 30 years of experience in homemaking, she has become a trusted resource for contemporary homemakers by offering practical solutions to everyday household challenges.I share creative homemaking and lifestyle solutions that make your life easier and more enjoyable!

About Jillee

Jill Nystul

Jill’s 30 years of homemaking experience, make her the trusted source for practical household solutions.

About Jillee

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